There are many reasons that teeth slowly begin to turn yellow over time. Many people are surprised to learn that the reasons can be internal as well as external. 

We’ll explore the causes of yellow teeth and some methods to whiten them. But if those methods don’t deliver satisfactory results, dental veneers are still an alternative, proven method to restore your perfect smile. GrandDent Dental Clinic can install porcelain veneers at our clinic in Chiang Mai.   

But first, let’s look at some of the causes of yellow teeth and explore some of the remedies and treatments that are currently available. 

Internal Causes of Yellow Teeth

Unfortunately, no amount of brushing can fix teeth that become yellow due to internal factors. If you were taking the drug tetracycline at the time your teeth were developing, you might have slightly yellowish teeth. If you received a larger amount of fluoride than was recommended sometime in the past, you also may end up with yellowed teeth. 

Accidents can also cause teeth to become discolored. If you suffer a blow to the head or a fall, these accidents could damage the nerves in the roots of your teeth, and your teeth can become yellow or otherwise discolored. Certain diseases and conditions, including gallbladder disease and even pregnancy, can cause teeth to turn yellow. 

Your teeth can also be naturally yellow because of family genes. 

External Causes of Yellow Teeth

Most people are aware that smoking, drinking and eating certain foods regularly will slowly turn your teeth a dull, unattractive shade of yellow.

It’s also common knowledge that the tar in cigarettes can cause teeth to turn a cloudy yellow color. Coffee and tea can also easily stain teeth, and drinking these beverages regularly contributes to the slow yellowing of the teeth, which can be hard to remove after a while. Soft drinks and fruit juice can also yellow your teeth.  

Improve Your Oral Hygiene

Brushing your teeth after consuming these beverages can dramatically slow down the yellowing effect in coffee and tea drinkers. You should try to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes using a toothpaste containing fluoride. Toothpaste contains small amounts of fluoride that has no negative effects on the color of your teeth. 

Choose a soft toothbrush and a fine-textured toothpaste. An abrasive toothpaste can damage the enamel, which can cause tooth erosion and allow staining elements to penetrate the surface of your teeth. Don’t forget to floss your teeth at least once a day. This can help remove food particles that can contribute to yellowing over time.   

Scaling and Polishing

Having your teeth scaled and polished periodically can remove food and beverage stains and cavity-causing tartar. If you’re particularly prone to yellow teeth, aim for a scaling, polishing, and cleaning appointment every 3 to 6 months. 

Whitening

Whitening your teeth can provide a dramatic improvement. There are two methods of whitening. You can have your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist using a bleaching agent. This is typically performed after having your teeth scaled and polished. The whitening takes between 30 minutes to an hour. 

You can also whiten your teeth at home. Your dentist can prepare a kit with a custom tray molded to your teeth to hold the bleaching agent, or there are also several commercially available tooth whitening kits available to choose from. They can be found at drugstores and pharmacies. 

When to Consult a Dentist

Teeth yellowing is generally cumulative. It happens over time. If you suddenly notice a dramatic change in the color of your teeth, or you have increasingly yellow teeth despite practicing good dental hygiene, you should visit a dentist to discover the cause and possible remedy for your condition. 

How to Effectively Fix Yellow Teeth

If brushing, scaling, and whitening aren’t providing the results you want, another alternative is to have dental veneers installed. GrandDent Dental Clinic in Chiang Mai specializes in dental veneers.

Dental veneers are custom-made thin and tough shells that fit over the front of your natural teeth and cover chips, cracks, stains, discolorations and other cosmetic flaws. They provide a dazzling white smile that lasts for up to 10-15 years. The costs of our veneers in Chiang Mai can be much less than having crowns installed, and they can be the ideal choice for people with healthy teeth that are yellow or otherwise discolored. 

Make an Appointment at GrandDent Dental Clinic

Dental veneers can provide new confidence for people suffering from the embarrassment of unsightly yellowing teeth. Make an appointment at GrandDent Dental Clinic in Chiang Mai for an initial examination and consultation to find out if dental veneers are the right choice for you.